(Approx 2 minute 12 second read) Recently, I came across a post on social media that made me stop and think. It said people are only worth engaging with if they’ve met specific criteria: if they’re champions, if their students are successful, or if they’ve earned respect through verifiable accomplishments – whether in competition or…
Tag: Humility
No One Art Is the Best: So Stop Bragging, and Start Learning.
(Approx 2 minute 50 second read) If you’ve read my articles, you probably know by now that I prefer my karate to be practical and pragmatic. Yet, I constantly hear from people claiming that Kyokushin is the best martial art – the strongest style that everyone should learn. After all, Kyokushin means ‘the ultimate truth,’…
Structure, Curiosity, and Asking “Why?” – The Journey Continues.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) When you are inexperienced in the martial arts, or anything really, there comes a point in time where you start asking questions. Some will question themselves, others will ask questions of their instructor, or someone outside their dojo or association. You may not get the answers you were looking…
Karate and Character: Does Training Forge a Better You?
Does karate inherently improve your character? . Character traits can certainly be built, shaped, and even transformed with enough effort and willpower. However, the benefits of character building largely depend on your own values and personal goals. Karate – or any martial art – can serve as a tool for this growth, but it isn’t…
The Flawed Approach to Blocking in Karate: Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short.
(Approx 2 minute 45 second read) In a recent article, I depicted a practitioner blocking a Bo with a ‘Jodan Age Uke,’ explaining that using this technique in the way depicted is likely to cause injury. One comment disagreed with my perspective, arguing that this is an appropriate defense against such a weapon. . The…
Breaking the Cycle: The Art of Letting Go.
(Approx 2 minute read) We are all driven by a complex mix of instincts and fears. Among these, the instinct for survival is perhaps the most powerful – it’s why many of us practice karate, right? . In moments of extreme stress, when we sense that our life is at risk, our minds naturally react…
Earning Every Step: Walking the Long Road to Mastery Through Your Effort and Hard Work.
(Approx 1 minute 55 second read) I often receive questions from people I’ve never met – requests for knowledge from strangers with no introductions, no context, and often, no sense of respect. It’s a blunt, almost a transactional exchange: “I want information, give it to me, NOW!” . In my opinion sharing knowledge is one…
Beyond the Fight: What Happens When the Fight Changes? Karate, The Art of Balance.
(Approx 2 minute 55 second read) Recently we had two students who were big guys they hadn’t been training very long. Occasionally, we have free drills where anything goes. Now, as they were inexperienced, their contact was heavily restricted. . It was interesting to watch as the exchange began to heat up, as invariably it…
As we age, the focus should shift from physical prowess to mental and spiritual growth, embodying the true spirit of karate.
(Approx 1 minute 50 second read) The islands at the southern end of Japan, once known as the Ryukyu Islands, have historically been known for longevity – once called the land of immortals. . People in Okinawa live longer than almost anyone on earth. This Japanese region has the highest proportion of people over 100…
Shouting into the Void: Is It Worth It? The Frustration of Writing for an Unseen Audience.
A Short Rant. . Recently, I’ve been questioning the value of writing my articles. What’s the point of sharing thoughts and insights when it feels like people refuse to try and understand, or just insult me? I write to offer a perspective beyond the walls of my dojo, hoping to help someone along the way….
The Importance of Context: How It Shapes Our Understanding Beyond Style.
(Approx 2 minute read) Whenever people ask me about karate or inquire about joining our dojo, the question I get asked most often is, “What style of karate do you practice?” It’s a question that reveals a lot about the way people perceive martial arts. But what does this information really tell us? Does knowing…
Beyond the Surface: Choosing Depth Over Superficiality.
(Approx 2 minute 10 second read) An interesting comment said, “Maybe in order to truly understand and utilize kata, we need to reduce the number. Think about it – most martial arts are pressed for time. We are trying to teach people to win competitions, pass gradings, and possibly add applications/bunkai/self-defense. Usually, on a couple…